The
history of Rajasthan is filled with style, valour and romance. The cities
and towns of the state are infused with myths and legends. One such city is
the capital of the state - Jaipur. Boasting a vast architectural legacy, the
city is simply irresistible with such famous attractions as the City Palace.
The labyrinthine edifice showcases the same layout as of the town itself. No
fortress walls enclose the palace and it stands in all its magnificence. The
monolith construction epitomises the brilliant assimilation of the Hindu and
Mughal architecture.
Glimpses From The Past
Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh had his capital at Amer which he found was
vulnerable to foreign attacks. The other reasons that account for the
shifting of the capital are the ever-growing population and the inadequate
supply of water. Consequently, during the nineteenth century, he chose to
plan and erect the city of Jaipur. That was how the grandiose architecture
of the City Palace came into existence. Though originally erected by the
Kachhwaha Rajput ruler Maharaja Jai Singh, the palace absorbed in it various
additions made by the maharaja's successors. However, the subsequent
additions have also been done in a unique way; you won't be able to
differentiate between the earlier and the recent structures.
Architectural Attractions
The palace complex comprises of numerous palatial structures, lush gardens,
courtyards and other buildings of notice. The Atish Pol or the Stable Gate
is the main access point to the inside of the palace. As you move in, you
find yourself in a huge courtyard where stands in the middle the Mubarak
Mahal or the Auspicious Palace. Made up of white marble, the palace was the
effort of Maharaja Madho Singh II, who built it in the late 19th century.
Next
to visit is the Diwan-i-Khas or the 'Hall of Private Audience' where the
raja would sit and exchanged words with his courtiers. Once into the hall,
you will also witness the two world's largest silver vessels that are on
display here. The Diwan-i-Aam is the 'Hall of Public Audience' where the
maharaja would pay heed to the issues of the public. The ornate ceilings,
floral patterns in green and red and the floor lined with Persian rugs are
truly a feast for eyes.
Moving to the northwest, you arrive at the Chandra Mahal or the 'Moon
Palace'. The palace is the residence of Bhavani Singh, the present Maharaja
of Jaipur. Each storey of the palace is known by a different name. The
richly ornate building also houses the Maharaja Sawai Mansingh II Museum
that exhibits a fascinating collection of royal antiquities. The Badal Mahal
and the Govindji Temple are the other worth seeing attractions inside the
City Palace.
Reaching There
Settled at a distance of 262 km from Delhi, Jaipur has well established
air, rail and road routes. The Sanganer Airport of Jaipur has regular
domestic flights connecting to places like Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad,
Mumbai, Jodhpur and Udaipur. By rail route, Jaipur has links with Delhi,
Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ahmedabad. Road routes are also
well linked and there are regular bus services available reaching Jaipur
from various places in the state and outside.
Best
Golden Traingle Tour (7D) 
